Quick answer
Less often than most people think. UK health guidance advises adults who choose to use sunbeds to limit their use and avoid repeated sessions to build a quick tan. Leave enough time between sessions for any redness to settle completely, never use a sunbed twice in one day, and follow the salon's guidance on how many sessions to have.
What UK guidance says
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) discourages using sunbeds for cosmetic tanning. For adults who still choose to, it advises asking for guidance on how to use the sunbed, limiting how often you use it, and avoiding repeated sessions to build up a quick tan, for example before a holiday.
There's no official number of sessions a week that applies to everyone, because sunbeds and skin types vary so much.
Why time between sessions matters
Your colour keeps developing for hours after a session, and redness from too much UV can take several hours to show. If you go back too soon, you're adding UV to skin that may already be damaged. Many salons ask customers to leave at least 48 hours between sessions, and some keep a record of how often you tan.
A sensible approach
- Never tan twice in one day, and don't add outdoor sunbathing on a sunbed day.
- Wait until any pinkness has completely gone before your next session.
- Build colour slowly over several sessions rather than packing them into a week.
- Once you have colour, tan less often. Keeping a tan needs far fewer sessions than building one. Good aftercare helps too: see how to make your tan last longer.
Signs you're tanning too often
- Skin that's often pink, tight, itchy or flaky
- Patchy colour or peeling
- Freckles or moles that seem to be changing
If you notice a mole changing shape, size or colour, see your GP. Read more in sunbeds, moles and freckles.
New to sunbeds? Start with how long you should sunbed for as a beginner.
